Where does the time go, people ask. But I truly feel like, with you, I’ve been with you through almost all of your time thus far. You came into our world seven years ago today and you rocked it. You were tiny, dear child. You were the most beautiful baby I’d ever seen. And you… you screamed. A lot.
And I was there with you. We did it together, sweet boy. I was already a grown up but you taught me so much I didn’t know. A different kind of patience. A different kind of tired. A different kind of love.
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| Photo cred: JamesAnn Photo |
Your first six months… maybe seven… probably more like ten… They were the toughest. Your tummy hurt. You were tiny. You were not sure that the world was ready for you. And then…
Smiles. Smiles everywhere. All over yourself. That’s how you smiled then. That’s how you smile now.
Joy. You’re our joy boy, for sure.
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| Photo cred: Nikki Moseman Photography |
You are our “pleaser”. The one always willing to look at the camera when we ask. The one who comes to snuggle up in bed beside me. The one who fesses up if you clip down for even half a day, even though we would have no way of knowing. You are the one who shares your emotions. Every one of them. You are, as I’ve said from year two and on… tender. Having your feelings hurt crushes you to the core. And you have an empathy that I rarely see in a child your age.
You also are very very very frustrated by not being able to get something right. True to being an oldest child, you want to be good at everything. And if you aren’t, you just won’t do it {football is a perfect current example. And even riding your bike}. You get deeply offended when others are breaking the rules and you can tattle with the best of them.
Reading is your current love. And you talk a bit of a girl named Jane. You say your besties are: Sam. Jane. Beau. Leyton. Deacon. Lincoln. Bryce. And everyone. Because it’s too hard to pick any one person. Because they’re all great. But other than that, you don’t seem very aware that anyone would or should treat boys and girls any differently. You can read for hours. Like HOURS. You say your two faves so far are “The invisible boy” and “The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles” {which makes mama’s heart happy}. You just started taking an interest in Wii and Minecraft. You love to build. But you don’t really love to build Lego sets. You love to build whatever is in your mind. And you think spelling tests are the easiest thing since sliced bread.
Writing takes a close second to reading for you. You love to journal and you love to write your own stories. You seem to be enthralled with words. And you want to be an Author. Or a teacher. Or maybe both. When you grow up.
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| Photo Credit: Nikki Moseman photography |
You prefer things to be in order. Every other day you hate sharing your room with your brother. And you love to draw. You don’t really like playing in big groups because you prefer that people do whatever it is you would like to do. And you aren’t terribly outgoing or forceful in personality. You think that “learning is just the best” and you want to travel everywhere.
Mama’s cancer diagnosis has been the most real to you. Because you’re at the age where enough of it makes sense. And so you get concerned about death, and dying, and chemo. And mama being here. And kid, as much as I can control it, I will be here for every single birthday of yours. As much as God allows.
You like to sing. And dance. And listen to music. And your current fave song is “You are Beautiful” by Robbie Schaeffer. And “The Bird and the Rhino”.
You are smiley. But serious. And you again… you take rules VERY seriously.
You saw your first musical in year 6 when we took a Barrett date night after finishing the book “The Wizard of Oz”. When we saw the show, you loved it. And wanted to compare and contrast the book {your words. Not ours}.
You are true to who you are. As much as a 7 year old can be. Please don’t lose that. Please only let that get stronger. And stronger.
Your very favorite thing is spending time with family. It’s when you are the happiest. Whether it’s just the fab 5, or grandmas and grandpas, or aunts and uncles, or cousins. You prefer family time. And you love to be at home. You have a heart for God. And have a lot of questions about religion, faith, and different cultures. I love how open your heart is for all people. And places. And things.
Your giggle is just as contagious as it’s been since you were 10 months old. And I just can’t get enough of you.
Oh, Mr. Barrett. Mr Started-Out-Less-Than-5-pounds. I say to you sir, from small beginnings come big things. And your big heart is proof enough of that.
You were our first Sonshine. And if I could bottle up your loving soul and sprinkle it all around, I do believe the world would be a better place.
No pressure, but we expect big things from you. Because you’ve got it in ya, kid.
Happy 7th birthday. We are so lucky to have you as ours for awhile. And thankful that you seem to love us back. Immensely.
